Further readings for the Pentax K-30

To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.

The Sony NEX-5T is an update of the firm’s NEX-5R model, introduced last year. It retains all of the features of its predecessor including the same 16-Mpix APS-C sized CMOS sensor but adds adding NFC (Near Field Communication) enabled WiFi. Read on to find out how well the camera performs.

Announced in June this year, the K-50 is an accessibly priced environmentally sealed DSLR featuring a built-in stabilization and a 16-MPix APS-C size CMOS sensor. As Pentax has yet to introduce a full-frame DSLR to the range the K-50, like others before it, can benefit from one of the largest lens ranges designed for the smaller APS-C sensor. The result is an appealing and unsurpassed range of compact and highly portable primes and zooms. We have analyzed the optical properties of 28 different models in total from Pentax as well as third-party makers, mounted on the new K-50, to help you in your selection either when buying new for the first time or when simply choosing which lens to take with you on your next shoot.

Following on from the distinctive styling of the K-30, the new Pentax K-50 is a mid-range, sensitively priced DSLR featuring a tried-and-tested stabilized 16-MPix CMOS sensor with fine-tuned image processing and sensor sensitivity of up to ISO 51,200. Read on to see how well it performs in our labs.

Much like the K-5 from whom it borrowed all the technical essentials, the Pentax K-30 comes equipped with a 16-Mpix APS-C CMOS-technology sensor that one assumes is of Sony origin. (This is the same sensor used in the Nikon D7000 and D5100 as well as in the Sony NEX-5R / NEX-5N and SLT-A57.)

Further readings for the Pentax K-3

To provide photographers with a broader perspective about mobiles, lenses and cameras, here are links to articles, reviews, and analyses of photographic equipment produced by DxOMark, renown websites, magazines or blogs.

Pentax has unveiled three new weather-resistant zoom lenses for its DSLR K lens mount featuring High Definition (HD) coatings for enhanced image quality. Including a 70-200mm “pro-grade” telephoto zoom, a 150-450mm super telephoto zoom, and a 18-50mm standard zoom as the new kit lens for the weather-resistant K-S2 DSLR, Pentax seems to have all bases covered with its new range of optics.

The K-S1 is Pentax’s latest entry-level DSLR featuring a 20.1Mp APS-C CMOS sensor and Anti Aliasing filter simulator. Targeted towards consumers taking their first plunge into DSLR photography, the K-S1 boasts a compact design, flashing LED lights, illuminated rear controls and choice of 12 colours. With the sensor scores in, lets see how the K-S1 compares to the competition.

Pentax has launched a new entry-level DSLR featuring an unconventional design with flashing green LED lights in the handgrip. Boasting some ‘user-friendly’ modifications and available in 12 colours, Pentax are hoping the new K-S1 appeals to consumers yet to switch to a DSLR. We get under the hood to find out more.

With the 2014 World Cup in Brazil approaching, this is the time manufacturers with serious interests in professional sports start revealing new cameras and lenses to selected press agencies. Both Canon and Nikon are rumored to be fielding prototype professional-level APS-C bodies during the tournament for testing. However, rival Sony appears to have stolen a march by introducing the SLT Alpha 77 II ahead of the games.

Following the recent reviews of the Canon mount and modified Nikon (AE) models we’ve now turned our attention to the Sony Alpha and Pentax K mount versions of the ultra-high speed Samyang 24mm f1.4 prime. Read on to find out how well the Samyang performs and if that or a rival model is the best choice for Sony and Pentax users.

Pentax cameras have always been innovative, and Ricoh has upped the ante with the K-3. Its image stabilization system not only reduces shake, but it can also simulate an anti-aliasing filter. The K-3 marks the latest evolution of one of the best-handling DSLRs in its class. It features a new autofocus system, 24 megapixel CMOS sensor, 8.3 fps continuous shooting, and USB 3.0 support. Has Ricoh put together a top-notch DSLR in the K-3?

Sigma are well known for their accessibly priced models and at just under $1,100 the 150-500mm f5-6.3 APO seems like a promising alternative to the premium offerings from the camera makers. Although one of the older models in the firm’s range now, does it still have what it needs to compete with more modern rivals?

Designed as a fast ‘standard’ zoom, the Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4 DC Macro HSM C is the first model in the firm’s ‘Contemporary’ series. Featuring a revamped exterior and modified optical construction, the lens is intended as a premium alternative to the official starter lenses found in camera ‘kits’. Read on to see how well it performs.

Although the Pentax K-5 II and K-5 IIs have now been replaced by the Pentax K-3, we’ve analyzed the two models with a range of lenses from both Pentax and third-party makers and thought the results would be of interest to our readers. The information is available online but we taken the opportunity to offer a brief overview of the best performing models. Read on to see how well the lenses perform together on the two cameras.

Pentax has revamped the DA Limited lens range adding a rounded diaphragm opening and new HD coatings for improved rendering, transmission and lower ghosting and flare. Read on to find out how well the new HD DA 21mm f3.2 pancake model performs.

Continuing our series of evaluation of lens systems we’ve assessed a modest range of Pentax and third-party lenses for their optical quality on the firm’s new flagship Pentax K-3 model. As the replacement for the K-5 II and K-5 IIs, the Pentax K-3 has a new higher pixel density 24-Mpix sensor without an AA filter, and is a promising platform for lens evaluation. Read on to find out which models perform best, and which, if any, that should be avoided.

Continuing our series of evaluation of lens systems we’ve assessed a modest range of Pentax and third-party lenses for their optical quality on the firm’s new flagship Pentax K-3 model. As the replacement for the K-5 II and K-5 IIs, the Pentax K-3 has a new higher pixel density 24-Mpix sensor without an AA filter, and is a promising platform for lens evaluation. Read on to find out which models perform best, and which, if any, that should be avoided.

Pentax’s new owners have refreshed the brand’s Limited lens range adding a rounded diaphragm opening and new HD coatings for improved rendering, transmission and lower ghosting and flare. Read on to find out how well this upgraded model performs.

After the success of the 16-Mpix K-5II and K-5IIs without AA filter, Pentax has replaced the pair with a new flagship model, the K-3, with a 24-Mpix sensor boasting a user-selectable AA filter for control over moiré and sharpness, depending on the situation. Read on to find out how this unique sensor performs?